King James Version

What Does Revelation 5:6 Mean?

Revelation 5:6 in the King James Version says “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb a... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Revelation 5:6 · KJV


Context

4

And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

6

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

7

And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

8

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. odours: or, incense


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spir... This verse from Revelation's vision of the lamb who is worthy - christ's redemptive work, authority to open the scroll employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 5:6 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 40 words
καὶ1 of 40

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον2 of 40

I beheld

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ3 of 40

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,4 of 40

lo

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐν5 of 40

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ6 of 40

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τοῦ7 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θρόνου8 of 40

of the throne

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

καὶ9 of 40

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν10 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τεσσάρων11 of 40

of the four

G5064

four

ζῴων12 of 40

beasts

G2226

a live thing, i.e., an animal

καὶ13 of 40

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν14 of 40

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ15 of 40

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τῶν16 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρεσβυτέρων17 of 40

of the elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

ἀρνίον18 of 40

a Lamb

G721

a lambkin

ἑστηκὸς19 of 40

stood

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ὡς20 of 40

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐσφαγμένον21 of 40

it had been slain

G4969

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

ἔχον22 of 40

having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

κέρατα23 of 40

horns

G2768

a horn (literally or figuratively)

ἑπτὰ24 of 40

seven

G2033

seven

καὶ25 of 40

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὀφθαλμοὺς26 of 40

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ἑπτὰ27 of 40

seven

G2033

seven

οἵ28 of 40

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἰσιν29 of 40

are

G1526

they are

τὰ30 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ31 of 40

seven

G2033

seven

τοῦ32 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ33 of 40

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πνεύματα34 of 40

Spirits

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὰ35 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπεσταλμένα36 of 40

sent forth

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

εἰς37 of 40

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πᾶσαν38 of 40

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὴν39 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆν40 of 40

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 5:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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